And the Doctor Said….. Writer’s Forum Event Birmingham Library 8 th March 2014

Introduction

About the Project Connected Communities Social model of health North Staffordshire context Creative research Participatory approaches Value of storytelling: connecting us as human beings; helping people’s voices to be heard; conveying powerful messages – social change

Voices of Experience with Maria Whatton

Women and Healthcare with Deborah McAndrew with

Local History and Healthcare with Dave Reeveswit

Life Story Writing with Chrissie Hallw

Sharing the Storiesw See Project Films Wealth of creative writing

Exhibition Launch at Burslem School of Art, December 2013wi

And the Doctor Said Bookw Currently being edited ready for publication Aiming for impact – beyond academic publications Free copies for participants Distribute to health centres E-book version Potential to use in healthcare training and in future workshops Supporting dialogue with healthcare practitioners

Challengeswi Sensitivity of subject matter Informed consent and authorship Confidentiality Presenting the data – to edit or not to edit? Dealing with the large volume of data

And the participants said….wi “The contact with other people who shared their stories gave me the freedom to share mine.” (Participant at Chrissie Hall workshops). “The freedom – the confidence that came with others reading my work and listening positively/constructively. I found the experience affirming…it was good fun with a serious outcome. Gave me some purpose and ideas on how to begin writing. I wrote prose – a first since school days.” (Participant at Chrissie Hall workshops).

And the participants said….wi “I loved listening to the different anecdotes of other women; I found Debbie McAndrew to be enthusiastic, inclusive, patient and affirming of every experience”. (Participant at Deborah McAndrew workshops). “Spending time with like minded people, being encouraged by Maria and writing my experiences down. I found the experience quite healing (mentally). (Participant at Maria Whatton workshops).

And the participants said…. “[The fact that it was part of a research project was] Very important as it is hard for survivors of domestic violence to speak out safely. Hopefully our stories may shape how professionals in the Health Service deal with future survivors.” (Participant at Maria Whatton workshops). “I found the film helpful in understanding the other groups who took part. I had no idea that my small contribution could lead to something so magnificent!” (Participant at Maria Whatton workshops).

Thank you Any questions?wi My contact details: Dr Jackie Reynolds Tel